[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by mkiv808

That is typical of authentic European restaurants. The best Spanish and French restaurants tend to have smaller portions. It's a cultural difference between Europe and the XL portions we in America know.

It's also usually expected to have multi-course meals.

You may want to try tapas, as you can get about 3 smaller portions for $26, which add up to more of a generous meal overall.

Used to go out for Tapas at a place called Louis 106 in Austin. Was much more satisfying.

I do like fish, but, I am more in to the Mom and Pop Italian.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by mlassoff

I do like fish, but, I am more in to the Mom and Pop Italian.

If you're ever in the area, try Tuttis in Westport. It's the best mom and pop Italian-American restaurant I've been to in the area. Husband and wife run it with a very welcoming vibe. It's also BYOB without any corking fee.

[JViello]

Originally Posted by mkiv808

It's also usually expected to have multi-course meals.

Boy aint that the truth. Hanging out with family in Tuscana, "dinner" is as social as going out to a club or whatever here. Course after course after course and the wine...that's different too. You don't fill half a glass...you don't drink for a buzz. The wine is like a light sauce with your dish, you use it as part of the meal. Glasses tend to get filled at best 1/4. No one gets drunk, but we all enjoy a few bottles of wine that compliments the food.

I can recall being at a family run farm (Think Under the Tuscan sun) for a dinner. It was just us. We were there for HOURS. I mean, from like 5pm till 11pm just eating, sipping, laughing, talking...oh what a time.

Originally Posted by mlassoff

I do like fish, but, I am more in to the Mom and Pop Italian.

Oh! Well, one of my recomendations then would be Aldo's of Italy in Waterbury. It's near/behind the old Naugatuck Valley Mall.

Family run, great food. You'll walk in and hear them in the kitchen chatting in Italian, the service will be good, the food will be great and the atmosphere while not "swanky" doesn't suck.

Aldo of Italy - Waterbury, CT

Profile for Aldo of Italy

[Currency Pair Crocodile]

I hate fish

By the way, why does every Italian place begin with mama something. Do the Italians love moms

[ctwhitechin]

speaking of Tapas, ever check out Barcelona's in West Hartford? We went a while ago, we thought was great, endless menu choices, Paella was fantastic and we had a couple tapas as well. Haven't been back, I don't know why but have to put that on the to do list again.

we took my sis in law and our notoriously picky niece out to max Amore's in Glastonbury Sat night. excellent, I had max a penne, with plum tomatoes, escarole and wood grilled chicken, wife had some scallops, superb...picky niece had chicken parmiggiana, and sis in law had shrimp scampi over fresh angel hair. Overall an excellent place, not as upscale as briccos but very good.

[JayCT]

The closest to my family's paella I have found anywhere was at Costa del Sol in Hartford. In talking to the owner, he is from Spain and imports most of the ingedients. It was excellent. Jay

[mlassoff]

Originally Posted by ctwhitechin

speaking of Tapas, ever check out Barcelona's in West Hartford?

I thought Barcelona's was quite good as well.

[barney85]

Don't care for either Sallys or Pepe's. Had both more than once. Burnt garbage people wait in hours long line for.

Lots of better places for a good pie.

[Slipperman]

Originally Posted by barney85

Don't care for either Sallys or Pepe's. Had both more than once. Burnt garbage people wait in hours long line for.

Lots of better places for a good pie.

feel the same though i never got the chance to try Sally's. Pepe's was pretty good but it hardly impressed me.

[Stylo]

Originally Posted by barney85

Don't care for either Sallys or Pepe's. Had both more than once. Burnt garbage people wait in hours long line for.

Lots of better places for a good pie.

You can have your opinion, but yours is certainly an extreme minority.